Argentina trip for Dawson and Lenehan

Geoff Lenehan (pictured) and Robin Dawson will be in Argentina for at least 10 days. Picture: Pat Cashman

Irish duo Robin Dawson and Geoff Lenehan are bound for South America next month as they chase world ranking points in Argentina.

Once again, the Argentina Golf Association (AAG) has extended two invitations to the GUI for the Copa Juan Carlos Tailhade (12-15 November) and the Argentine Amateur Championship (17-21 November). Dawson, who is now in his second year at Maynooth University, helped Ireland retain the Raymond Trophy at this year’s Home Internationals while Lenehan will be pushing for senior selection in 2016 after another steady season.

The Portmarnock player was leading qualifier at the North of Ireland in July and Irish captain Tony Goode was impressed with his performances during the season.

“Geoff is well respected among the players. He’ll be on the panel for next year because of his experience. He’s been a steady campaigner. He has good leadership qualities,” said Goode.

Moving up the world amateur golf rankings (WAGR) is the priority for Ireland’s players to ensure entry in all the major events next season. At 475, Dawson has the chance to make a significant progress in Argentina, where both events will feature strong international fields.

“We need to move players up the World Rankings and we don’t get many chances to do that over the winter,” said Goode, who had five Irish players inside the world’s top 50 this season.

Cormac Sharvin remains Ireland’s highest ranked player at 18 while Jack Hume is 34th. Dermot McElroy and Stuart Grehan are the only other Irish players inside the top 200.

The Copa Juan Carlos Talihade at Los Lagartos in Buenos Aires is a 72-hole stroke play event while the Argentine Amateur has a 36-hole stroke play qualifier before the match play stages. Last year’s fields featured players from Canada, Spain, Australia, Switzerland and South Africa.

This will be the last international tournament trip for Irish players this year although there will be a panel coaching session in Spain during early December.

Ireland’s Robin Dawson and Geoff Lenehan proved that week of red-meat eating does your game no harm as they fired rounds of 64 and 65 respectively to top the qualifiers for the Argentinian Amateur Open Championship in Buenos Aires.

Portmarnock's Geoff Lenehan couldn't celebrate his birthday with a first international championship win in Argentina but there was some good new from the US where Stephanie Meadow was recognised with the Heather Farr Award for her perseverance during a difficult year.